B’nai B’rith Youth Parley Optimistic on Future of Judaism in U.S.

A statement taking issue with American Jews who are pessimistic about the future of Judaism in this country was issued here today following a three-day conference of the national executive committee of the B’nai B’rith Youth Organization. The last session of the conference took place with the participation of about 20 leaders of the Washington Jewish community.

“Not only is the current status of the American-Jewish community much healthier than the disciples of doom would paint it, but the future prospects are even brighter, because of the many evidences of growing commitment to Judaism by the younger generation,” the Joint youth-adult statement said. “Rising membership in Jewish youth organizations and Jewish youth’s continuing search for new answers to old questions are among the most positive signs that an overwhelming majority of young American Jews feel secure in their Jewishness.”

The BBYO leaders, who represent the organization’s more than 43, 000 members, and the Washington Jewish community leaders who include past and current local and national Jewish organization presidents and executive board members, conceded that there were still negatives in the present situation. “More and more synagogues are being built by local Jewish communities every year, but what is still lacking is a concrete program designed to attract and retain youth in leadership roles,” the statement said.

It also cited the need for an improved curriculum of Jewish education. “Despite evidence of growing enrolment in Jewish schools.” said the youth-adult statement, “most curricula still fail to meet the needs of today’s sophisticated younger generation.” The statement urged the development of special courses geared to modern-thinking teenagers. In this connection, it said also that Jewish youth organizations through their informal educational programs “are doing a better Job generally of attracting and holding the interest of Jewish youth.”

There was a consensus between the youth leaders and their adult conference partners that the establishment of Israel “has been a major factor in helping to develop a feeling of security among Jewish youth and adults alike” and that continued support of Israel by American Jewry was “an obligation and a privilege.” But, they said, one of the greatest needs is the creation of “an American-Jewish culture not dominated by the needs and aspirations of Israel.”

The youth-adult conference participants also had praise for the growing number of adults “who are flocking in increasing numbers to Jewish education courses.” Such a development, they said, is helping to “bring youth and adults closer together as both continue their Jewish education.”